Juvenile Justice Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of increasing youth-related issues, the need for Juvenile Justice Specialists has never been greater.

As societal challenges evolve, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can guide, support, and protect our youth within the justice system.

But what exactly does a Juvenile Justice Specialist do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the complex world of juvenile justice,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Juvenile Justice Specialist job description template, created for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive into it.

Juvenile Justice Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Juvenile Justice Specialists work with young offenders to assess their needs, develop treatment plans, and coordinate and provide services.

These professionals are primarily responsible for guiding and supporting juveniles through the justice system, with daily duties and responsibilities including:

• Evaluating the needs and risks of young offenders
• Developing individualized treatment plans in collaboration with other professionals
• Coordinating and providing services such as counseling, education, and vocational training
• Monitoring the progress of juveniles in detention facilities and probation programs
• Facilitating interventions and therapeutic activities
• Communicating with family members, teachers, and other relevant individuals in the juvenile’s life
• Preparing reports and maintaining detailed records of each juvenile’s case
• Collaborating with court personnel, law enforcement officers, and social service providers
• Advocating for the rights and best interests of juveniles in court proceedings
• Providing crisis intervention and conflict resolution as needed
• Keeping updated with current legislation and best practices in juvenile justice
• Conducting follow-ups with juveniles post-release to ensure successful reintegration into society

 

Juvenile Justice Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Juvenile Justice Specialist to work with young individuals in the juvenile justice system.

The candidate should have a deep understanding of child psychology, criminal justice, and social work.

The Juvenile Justice Specialist is responsible for providing therapeutic interventions, developing treatment plans, and helping youth offenders transition back into society.

 

Responsibilities

• Assess the needs of juvenile offenders and create appropriate treatment plans
• Facilitate therapeutic interventions and programs to address behavioral issues
• Work with families, social workers, and legal professionals to ensure the child’s best interests are represented
• Monitor and record the progress of the juvenile offenders
• Help juvenile offenders transition back into society and prevent recidivism
• Conduct risk assessments and provide crisis intervention as needed
• Coordinate with other professionals in the justice system to provide comprehensive services
• Maintain knowledge of current laws and regulations pertaining to juvenile justice

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, criminal justice, psychology, or related field
• Experience working with juvenile offenders or at-risk youth
• Knowledge of the juvenile justice system and relevant laws and regulations
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse populations
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to handle stressful situations and manage crisis
• Must pass a background check and drug screening

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Juvenile Justice Specialist
• Work Environment: This job typically involves working in a juvenile detention center, court or a community-based setting. Some travel may be required for home visits or court appearances.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Juvenile Justice Supervisor or Program Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Juvenile Justice Specialist Do?

Juvenile Justice Specialists work primarily in the juvenile justice system, providing assistance to young offenders and their families.

These specialists often conduct assessments to determine the needs and risks of juveniles within the justice system, developing and implementing intervention strategies aimed at reducing recidivism and promoting positive behavior change.

They work closely with court officials, probation officers, social workers, and other stakeholders to coordinate services and ensure that the needs of the juvenile are being met.

Juvenile Justice Specialists also facilitate educational programs and workshops for the offenders and their families, aiming to provide them with the necessary tools to cope with their circumstances and prevent future involvement in criminal activity.

In addition, they play a significant role in case management, including record keeping, tracking of progress, and reporting to the court system.

Juvenile Justice Specialists may also be involved in policy development and advocacy work, aiming to improve the juvenile justice system and promote the rights and welfare of young offenders.

 

Juvenile Justice Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A Juvenile Justice Specialist should possess the necessary skills and qualifications related to your job description, which may include:

• Knowledge of the juvenile justice system and its intricacies, including understanding the laws and regulations related to it.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact empathetically with juveniles, their families, and their communities.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost professionalism and integrity.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral, to effectively convey complex information to juveniles, their families, and other professionals in the field.
• Effective negotiation and mediation skills for conflict resolution.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and address issues that may arise during the rehabilitation process.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple cases and keep accurate records.
• Experience in counselling or social work, with an emphasis on working with troubled youth or those in high-risk situations.
• Understanding of behavioral management techniques and ability to implement them in a professional manner.

 

Juvenile Justice Specialist Experience Requirements

Juvenile Justice Specialists often begin their career journey with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, psychology, social work, or a related field.

They then gain experience through internships or entry-level positions in social work or counseling, which provides them with a good understanding of the criminal justice system and the issues faced by juveniles.

For entry-level positions, candidates are generally expected to have at least 1 to 2 years of experience working with juveniles, often obtained through volunteer work, internships or part-time roles in counseling or social work organizations.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are often seasoned professionals who have honed their skills in areas such as case management, crisis intervention, and counseling.

They have typically worked in roles such as Juvenile Justice Counselor, Social Worker, or Probation Officer.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have leadership experience, having led teams or coordinated services in their previous roles.

They are usually ready for roles that require a greater degree of responsibility, such as Juvenile Justice Program Coordinator or Manager.

In addition, some roles may require candidates to have completed specific training programs or to hold professional certifications in fields such as substance abuse counseling or child welfare.

 

Juvenile Justice Specialist Education and Training Requirements

A Juvenile Justice Specialist typically holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or a related field.

They must have a deep understanding of the juvenile justice system, social services, and child welfare, often gained through specialized courses in these areas during their undergraduate studies.

Most employers also require at least a year of experience working with juveniles, particularly those who are at-risk or have already had encounters with the justice system.

This experience can be gained through internships, volunteer work, or full-time employment in social services or a related field.

Some positions may require a master’s degree in criminal justice, social work, or a related field, particularly for roles that involve policy development or supervisory responsibilities.

Some Juvenile Justice Specialists may also pursue certification from recognized bodies like the American Correctional Association, which provides a Certified Corrections Professional program.

This is not typically a requirement, but can demonstrate a specialist’s commitment to the field and may enhance career prospects.

Furthermore, all Juvenile Justice Specialists should have excellent communication skills, crisis management abilities, and a compassionate approach to working with young people in challenging situations.

Ongoing professional development is important in this field to keep up with changes in law, best practices in rehabilitation, and other relevant topics.

 

Juvenile Justice Specialist Salary Expectations

A Juvenile Justice Specialist earns an average salary of $52,220 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can vary based on several factors including educational background, years of experience in the field, geographic location, and the specific organization they work for.

 

Juvenile Justice Specialist Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Juvenile Justice Specialist need?

A Juvenile Justice Specialist should possess a Bachelor’s degree in criminology, psychology, social work, or a related field.

Some positions may require advanced degrees or professional experience working with youth in a correctional, psychiatric, or social services setting.

In addition, knowledge of juvenile laws, court procedures, and the ability to relate to and interact with troubled youths are essential.

 

What skills are necessary for a Juvenile Justice Specialist?

A Juvenile Justice Specialist should have strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to interact effectively with juveniles, their families, and other professionals.

They need to have an understanding of the principles of psychology and sociology.

The ability to make sound decisions in stressful situations and strong problem-solving skills are also necessary.

Additionally, they should have excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage case files effectively.

 

What does a typical day look like for a Juvenile Justice Specialist?

A typical day for a Juvenile Justice Specialist might involve meeting with juveniles and their families, conducting assessments, and developing intervention plans.

They may also spend time coordinating with other social service agencies, attending court hearings, and maintaining detailed case files.

It’s important to note that they may be on-call or work outside of normal business hours depending on the needs of the juveniles they serve.

 

What qualities make a good Juvenile Justice Specialist?

A good Juvenile Justice Specialist is patient, empathetic, and firm, capable of establishing a rapport with troubled youths.

They should have a strong commitment to rehabilitation and the ability to approach difficult situations with a problem-solving mindset.

They must be able to maintain professionalism under stress and have the resilience to deal with challenging circumstances.

 

How can you gauge a potential Juvenile Justice Specialist’s suitability during the recruitment process?

During the recruitment process, look for candidates with a solid educational background and relevant work experience.

Candidates should demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, a capacity for empathy, and an understanding of the juvenile justice system.

Consider their ability to handle stress and their commitment to the ethical treatment of juveniles.

It can also be beneficial to explore their reasoning skills, decision-making processes, and overall attitude towards rehabilitation.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the true essence of being a Juvenile Justice Specialist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about enforcing the law.

It’s about shaping the lives of young people, one case at a time.

With our comprehensive Juvenile Justice Specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step up.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to finely-curated job postings or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Every case, every youth, is part of a greater cause.

Let’s shape a better future. Together.

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